DWI for Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers are responsible for staying well-rested and alert while they are on the job. Many of these drivers operate large semi-trailer trucks, some of which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Because there is a greater chance of serious injury or death when large trucks are involved in an accident, there are strict driving laws and regulations for truck drivers. Commercial drivers are forbidden from drinking alcohol while on the job, and a DWI could cost them their career.

Lower BAC Limit for Truck Drivers

For passenger car drivers, the standard blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is .08%. For commercial drivers, however, the limit is much lower at .02%. A commercial driver found to have a .02% or higher BAC while on the job may be arrested for drunk driving. This essentially means that, under the law, there is zero tolerance for truck drivers drinking while on the job.

Penalties and Consequences of a DWI Conviction

A DWI conviction can have serious penalties for a commercial driver. He or she may face jail time, fines, and mandatory attendance in an educational or substance abuse treatment program. In addition, the driver’s commercial driver’s license may be suspended for at least one year, preventing him or her from driving for work. Even a single DWI conviction can ruin your reputation as a commercial driver, possibly resulting in termination from your job.

Contact Us

If you are a commercial driver who has been arrested for DWI, you have the right to a fair trial and remain innocent until proven guilty. To learn more about protecting your rights and freedoms, contact the Houston DWI defense attorneys of Johnson, Johnson & Baer, P.C., today at 713-222-0400.